Title:
Design and Optimization of a Microalgae-based Biorefinery Using Vinasse for Renewable Jet Fuel Production
Author(s):
Infante Cuan, J.E., Fernández García, V., Palacios, R., Ensinas, A.V.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
This study presents the techno-economic optimization of a biorefinery system designed to produce advanced biofuels, specifically sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), green diesel and gasoline, and biomethane using microalgae grown on sugarcane vinasse as a substrate. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model was developed and implemented in LINGO software to optimize the integrated supply chain of the process. The superstructure-based approach incorporates multiple processing steps, including anaerobic digestion of vinasse, microalgae cultivation in open ponds, biomass harvesting and dehydration, hydrothermal liquefaction, biogas upgrading and hydrogen production. For this study, the H2 required in the hydrotreatment process can be generated sustainably from two main routes: ethanol reforming and methane reforming obtained by biodigestion of vinasse. A case study was conducted covering the nine states with the highest vinasse availability in Brazil. The results show that Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Goiás (GO), and Mato Grosso (MT) cover 100% of their jet fuel demand. The economic results show that the internal return on investment (IRR) of SP, GO, and MT is approximately 25%, and the cost of production in Brazil is 0.2932 US$/L aviation fuel. In terms of emissions reduction, the results show an actual reduction of over 98.5% in all cases.
Keywords:
biofuel, biorefinery, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), techno-economic assessment, vinasse
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Algae and aquatic biomass production systems
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.5.17
Pages:
240 - 247
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-1DV.5.17
Price:
FREE
